Tuchel impressed with ‘excellent’ Gordon goal

Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for Anthony Gordon after the forward continued his fine form with a goal in England’s 2-0 win over Czechia in the UEFA Nations League.

The Barcelona man stooped to head home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross to open the scoring in Prague, where Harry Kane was also on target as England took all three points. 

Gordon’s goal was his third in as many appearances for England, having also found the target in the 3-2 defeat to Spain and in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. 

“Not a lot can convert [Gordon’s goal],” said Tuchel, who was equally impressed with Alexander-Arnold’s precise delivery.

“There was an awful lot to do for him and to guide it into the far post was an excellent goal, a good pass and a good goal. 

“Both [full-backs were] good. I think the position in the second half suited Trent a little bit more than the position in the first half and Lewis [Hall] did excellent on the other side, so well done.”

England created numerous chances against a Czechia side who were reduced to 10-men when Pavel Sulc was sent off after 25 minutes for a challenge on Elliot Anderson.

Morgan Rogers hit the post in a goalless first half, a powerful Kane drive forced a good save from Matej Kovar in the opposition goal and Hall’s cross was also turned onto the woodwork by defender and captain Ladislav Krejci.

It was a performance which pleased Tuchel, who felt his side merited the three points, particularly after the level of intensity they played with after the break.

"In the second half we stepped up,” added the England boss.

‘We needed to be a bit more dynamic and be a bit more urgent in our play, which we did, but we kept the intensity going and we were very professional and the effort was still there, so it was a deserved victory.

“It's always a bit strange to get an early red card, it's not the best for the spectators, not the best for the team. It's an awkward one, but we got an important win and that's what counts."